Pubdate: Mon, 17 Feb 2003
Source: The North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The North Thompson Star/Journal
Contact:  http://www.starjournal.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231

OLD DRUG, NEW NAME, RENEWED CONCERN

Days before a nationally respected speaker is due to appear at Barriere to 
discuss substance abuse issues, Barriere RCMP are drawing attention to "an 
old drug that is increasingly being abused in our area" -- Methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine, says Const. Jeff Swann, has many nicknames -- Crystal, 
Ice, Glass, Jib or Crank -- but is most commonly known as Speed.

"The abuse of this drug is starting to elevate without anyone really 
realizing the effect that (it) has on people," says Const. Swann. "Jib is a 
dangerous, sometimes lethal and definitely unpredictable drug.

"Like cocaine, it actively attacks your central nervous system with 
stimulants. Its use increases your heart rate, your blood pressure, your 
body temperature, your rate of breathing, and it frequently results in 
violent behaviour in those who use it.

"It can lead to damage to the heart, the lungs, the liver, and it also 
causes brain damage similar to Alzheimer's Disease."

"Meth," says Swann, gives its abuser a sense of increased energy 
accompanied by body tremours. Abuse of this drug, he says, produces a 
psychosis similar to schizophrenia, characterized by paranoia, picking at 
the skin and hallucinations.

This drug, he explains, can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally, 
and, based on its availability, is one of the cheaper drugs to purchase.

"While cheaper to purchase, many experts say it is more addictive and more 
toxic than heroin, crack or cocaine, and will likely become all-consuming 
for the abuser.

"Jobs, friends and family fall by the wayside in the abuser's desire to get 
more Meth."

After the high, advises Swann, the abuser should prepare for the crash:

"Doctors have found that use of Crystal causes brain damage that resembles 
early stages of Parkinson's Disease. People take this drug to feel better 
about themselves and their environment, but what ultimately happens is that 
you will destroy your ability to feel pleasure."

Concludes Swann:

"Crystal Meth is in our area and has been for some time. It is an extremely 
addictive drug of which the true long-term effects are still being studied."

Swann, Barriere's D.A.R.E. instructor, encourages all members of the 
community to attend Serge LeClerc's presentations, Feb. 17 and 18. 
Sponsored by Barriere CrimeStoppers and school-based groups, LeClerc will 
speak to the community at large at Barriere Elementary at 7 p.m., Monday, 
Feb. 17, then address Barriere students in Grades 6 - 12 at 1:45 p.m., Feb. 
18, at BSS.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth